Car Fix Troy Troy Mi (2024)

FAQs

How much are most car repairs? ›

Average cost of car repairs

On average, AAA says unexpected issues cost $500 to $600 to resolve,³ but prices can reach $10,000 or more for major repairs, such as replacing an engine. If you drive a newer model, your warranty or maintenance plan may cover car repair and maintenance costs.

If the cost of repairs exceeds the car's value, it's probably best to get a new car instead. Sometimes, when a car with high mileage needs a significant repair or if your car is totaled, you might consider replacing it with a new or used vehicle.

All mechanic shops will be happy to give you those estimates. Those are set price items that only increase with inflation, generally speaking. However, your Check Engine light or noise is another story. If you are lucky, you will only get the shop's hourly rate, and some shops won't even tell you that.

The engine

The most expensive part to repair is the car engine. Replacement of a car engine can cost upwards of $10,000 in a small car and even more in a truck or SUV. It may be better off to replace the car instead of just replacing the engine in some cases.

Repair Costs

If the total cost of repairs ends up being more than the value of the car (even with the fix), that's usually a sign to hold off on repairs and put that money toward another car.

Depending on the car's value, repairing it might be worth the money to keep it going for a few more years. However, most modern gasoline-powered vehicles will start to struggle after the 200,000-mile mark. Electric cars can usually make it up to 300,000 miles before they're considered well used.

A handy rule of thumb is if the cost of repairs approaches 50 percent or more of a vehicle's current market value, it's no longer worth trying to fix it.

You can save money in the long run by doing the necessary research when shopping for a reputable and experienced auto repair shop in the area. You should always plan ahead for vehicle maintenance and repairs by finding a trusted auto repair shop before you actually need their services.

Don't Be Afraid to Get a Second Opinion

If you don't feel like the mechanic did the repair right, take it to another auto shop so they can properly evaluate the repair and re-diagnose the issue. You may have to pay a diagnostic fee.

What if a mechanic never gave me an estimate? ›

If your mechanic fails to give you an estimate of the work or fails to honor the estimate, you may want to call a lawyer.

Engine Replacement

Greatly considered to be the most difficult automotive repair, replacing an engine is incredibly expensive. In fact, this repair is so expensive that it is often more appropriate to purchase a new vehicle rather than pay for an engine replacement.

Significant repairs such as engine replacement, transmission, and head gaskets seem to take the longest.